Grandpa!
As the last vestiges of sunlight seeped out from behind the dense tree canopy, the forest was cloaked in an air of ominous mystique. The silence was broken only by the occasional crackle of the undergrowth and the ferocious growls of his summoned creatures.
"Geez, a bit of breeze wouldn't hurt," Kaden mumbled under his breath, using the back of his hand to wipe the slick of sweat forming on his forehead. The stillness of the day was as unsettling as it was stifling.
Kaden's frustration, however, ran deeper than the torpid atmosphere. The seed of doubt Gerald had sown in his mind was festering, feeding his anxiety. His gaze swiveled to his summoned creatures, engaged in a fierce battle against a cluster of fire jackals.
Flames danced around the jackals, their eerie orange glow reflecting off his minions' dark glossy fur and scales.